Flights To Fancy

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Chez Monique Ubud: Jewellery Making Fun In Bali

Sydney Fashion Hunter: Chez Monique Jewellery Making Class - Finished Earrings

*** Updated January 2020 ***

I’m becoming a little bit of a DIY expert just quietly. Remember last week when I shared all the details of making my own perfume in Bali? Well I’m at it again, but this time I made my own jewellery. I’m not talking about stringing a few beads together or plaiting a friendship bracelet either. I’m talking the real deal here. You already know how much I love silver jewellery, so you can imagine that I was over the moon to learn from skilled craftsmen and make a unique piece of jewellery at a Chez Monique Ubud Bali. They even let me use a blow torch! Read on for all the details …



 

 

Chez Monique Ubud Jewellery Making Class Overview

My genetic cocktail includes having teeny, tiny fingers and wrists. Why this was not accompanied by a teeny, tiny waist and thighs is a mystery, but having small fingers and wrists makes buying rings and bangles somewhat difficult. My Chez Monique Ubud jewellery making class not only allowed me the opportunity to design something uniquely mine, but also ensured a perfect fit for my odd dimensions. Each Chez Monique jewellery making class costs IDR450,000 (about AUD$45), which includes 10 grams of silver. Over the 2 – 3 hours of the class you will design and make one item and extra silver can be purchased if needed. Classes are run Monday to Saturday with a choice of three times; 9.30am, 11.00am and 1.30pm. Contact Chez Monique 24 hours in advance to book.

Sydney Fashion Hunter: Chez Monique Jewellery Making Class - Saw


 

 

Getting To Chez Monique Ubud

Ubud is a popular destination in central Bali with lots of things to do. We had planned to spend a few nights here but unexpected events forced us to bring the dates forward and shorten our stay. With fewer days on the ground, we didn’t fancy changing accommodation but not wanting to miss Ubud we opted for a day trip instead. Even though I am a frequent visitor to Bali, I haven’t been to Ubud since my very first visit in 1988 and I have to admit my memory was a little sketchy so we researched online to make the most of our big day out. It was The Hubs who first spotted Chez Monique on Trip Advisor and he knew it would be right up my alley. What can I say, after nearly 25 years of marriage the man knows me all too well. You can hire a driver or catch the public bus, but we simply grabbed a taxi from The Magani Hotel in Legian which took an hour or so and set us back about AUD$25 on the meter. It is off the main drag and a little tricky to find so don’t assume your driver will know the way. If you have data on your phone (I didn’t!) showing the GPS will help, otherwise print a map before you go to avoid any issues. Chez Monique Ubud also has a store in town so don’t confuse the two. The street is well numbered (unusual for Bali) so follow the count up to number 57, which is on the left if you are coming from the town centre. You will know are in the right place when you spot a discreet sign on the lawn stating ‘Silver Making Classes’. Follow the path past the buildings (keep going even when you think this can’t possibly be the right way) until it opens up to a beatifically shaded open air courtyard that houses the workshop. The owner, Wayan Sunarta and his team will settle you in and make you feel at home immediately. Don’t forget to connect to the free wi-fi so you can upload all your adventures to insta as you go. Your Chez Monique jewellery making class has everything you need to create your final design but the selection of stones and beads is limited so if you have something very particular in mind I would suggest bringing along your own.

Sydney Fashion Hunter: Chez Monique Jewellery Making Class - Courtyard


 

 

Step 1 – Design

Chances are you may have some idea what you want to make so bring some pictures and discuss your design with the staff to see what is possible. It turns out that the design I had originally intended making was very complicated and would take about six hours to complete so I opted for something simpler. If you are not that prepared, don’t worry there are plenty of pictures to help get your creative juices flowing, which is exactly what I did to come up with the final design for my flower earrings. The Hubs doesn’t wear a lot of jewellery so he elected to make a second piece just for me. He made some discreet enquirers as to what I might like, but not wanting to stifle his creativity I simply told him I would like a bangle that would be a lasting reminder of our trip and it would be clear that it is something that he has made just for me. His final design incorporated the word Bali, Ubud’s geographical coordinates and both out star signs (Aries and Aquarius), but what impressed me the most was the inscription on the inside which is just for me to see. I’d say he hit the brief perfectly! Once the hard decisions are made, you may need to create a paper pattern. My earrings required this, but I’m an awful drawer so I gratefully accepted the assistance they offered in this part of the process. While the bangle the hubs was making didn’t need drawing he was encouraged to practice on paper first to ensure he had the spacing right and could get the hang of the technique.

Sydney Fashion Hunter: Chez Monique Jewellery Making Class - Drawing



 

 

Step 2 – Crafting

Once The Hubs had mastered the art of stamping on paper he got busy on the strip of silver that would eventually become my bangle. Chez Monique Ubud has loads of punches to chose from that will allow you to create many different designs. For the Aries star sign symbol he used a total of three punches on each side to get exactly the right shape and this was the most difficult piece of the inscription. His first attempt was not to his liking but this was easily erased so he could start over. I would advise against erasing every slip up as the quirks (like the slighting misaligned 3 & 4 in my bangle) are the trademarks of a handmade piece and in my eyes make it all the more special. My first step was cutting out my design with a specialist silver saw after my paper pattern had been glued to my silver. Because I was making earrings and obviously wanted them identical I cut both pieces at once. Once I had both pieces cut I added some texture by hammering the pieces delicately all over. Shaping the petals came next and this was achieved my pressing the silver into a cup with a pestle. Be careful not to erase all your carefully applied texture. Once I was satisfied with the shape I needed to make the balls for the centre of my flowers. This is where the fire comes in and it’s just a little bit magic to be honest. You start by snipping two tiny pieces of silver wire exactly the same size and heating them until they pop into tiny little balls which are them soldered into centre of each flower. Finally I stretched some silver wire to make the hoops of my earrings which are then soldered into place. This bit was a little daunting so I left it to the experts but that is one of the best things about a Chez Monique jewellery making class, the staff offer and much or as little assistance as you require. Meanwhile the hubs was still diligently punching away so I had a little practice with his tools; on a scrap piece of silver of course!

Sydney Fashion Hunter: Chez Monique Jewellery Making Class - Shaping

Sydney Fashion Hunter: Chez Monique Jewellery Making Class - Blow Torch

Man making jewellery in Bali



 

 

Step 3 – Finishing

With our jewellery all but finished I have to say both pieces are looking a little underwhelming and not at all like the shiny, sparkly things I am used to gazing at in the shop window. My disappointment was short-lived as we got to work washing and polishing them to perfection. Watch out during the machine polishing stage as the wheel can easily grip and send your piece flying. Be prepared for the silver to heat up during this process but don’t worry it is not unbearable. Once we (and Wayan) are satisfied with the final result, our creations are packaged up for safe keeping and we are bid a very warm farewell by the team.

Jewellery Making Class Ubud Bali


 

 

Q&A with Wayan Owner Of Chez Monique Ubud

I couldn’t resist asking my host a few questions before we headed off. I think I managed to cover everything you might want to know before deciding whether a Chez Monique Jewelley making class of right for you. Here goes …

 

FTF: Who usually attends your classes?

WS: We get lots of Australians visiting, mostly couples. During school holidays our classes are particularly popular with families. The kids really enjoy making their own unique item.

 

FTF: What happens if the design you choose requires more time to make than the two hour class?

WS: That’s no problem at all if you are staying in the area. We have a number of guests that complete their items over several visits.

 

FTF: Apart from the jewellery classes, your store in UBud also sells pre-made pieces. Are they all handmade using the techniques that we are learning today?

WS: Yes, every design in our store in handmade locally in Ubud by our expert craftsmen.

 

FTF: Do you have repeat visitors in your classes?

WS: Absolutely, we have people that come back every time they visit Ubud to make a special memento of their holiday. They often chose a different technique each time so they are continually learning.

 Wayan of Chez Monique Ubud



 

 

Final Thoughts On Chez Monique Ubud

On the day we visited 6 students cancelled at the last minute so we were very privileged to have a private class. Although the workshop is open air with no air conditioning, the shade and gentle breeze offers much needed relief from the heat. We thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon we spent at our Chez Monique Ubud jewellery making class, so much so I included it in my epic list of 110+ things to do in Bali. Wayan and his staff made us feel like very special guests and part of the family all at the same time. We were obviously extreme novices and asked a million questions along the way but despite the fact they have no doubt heard them all before they were very patient with us and nothing was too much trouble.  I’m thrilled with the end results and I have no doubt this is more down to their skill than ours. I have two unique pieces that I will wear with pride for a long time to come and each time I do it will remind me of the time we spent with Wayan and his team. If you find yourself in Ubud you must check out a Chez Monique jewellery making class. I guarantee the item you create will make a much better souvenir of your Bali trip than a cheap Bintang singlet.

Chez Monique Ubud Silver Bangle

Silver bangle made in Bali



 

 

Have you ever made your own jewellery?  What would you make if you attended a Chez Monique jewellery making class? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

 

 

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Get creative while in Ubud Bali with a Chez Monique jewellery making class. In a few hours you will have a fabulous piece of silver jewellery that will be a long lasting reminder of your trip. #bali #jewellery #ubud #silver #chezmoniqueubud

 

 

Disclosure Statement: I received a discount on my jewellery making class at Chez Monique Ubud. The information in my contributions in this article are based on my own personal experiences and have not been influenced in any way by the brand(s) featured. The contributions included from other writers has been accepted in good faith that the information is accurate. This post may contain affiliate links which if clicked may earn me a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.

 

 

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Comments

  1. I had seen someone else blog about this, but somehow managed to lose the track of the post itself, so I’m SO GLAD that you posted about Chez Monique!! Custom making my own jewellery has been something I’ve always tried to do as a kid, but could only go so far without requiring more industrial equipment. Not only would I be able to finally DIY my own jewellery, it would also make for an amazing souvenir from a trip to Bali, as you said. Thank you for walking me through the steps so I can feel like I have an idea of what to do! (And beautiful bangle, by the way!)

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  2. This looks like a really fun and different thing to do in Bali. I’m a bit fan of unusual and different jewellery – (I don’t like having things that other people have!) so this class would be perfect for me!

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  3. This truly looks like an amazing experience. I would love to make my own jewellery and pieces that I would wear out! I find sometimes homemade jewellery is nice at the time, but then you get home and they sit there. It looks quite straight forward once you get the hang of it! Wayan made me think of the healer in Eat Pray Love 🙂 her name is the same!

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    • I wear these all the time Janine ? Fun Fact: There are only 4 names in Bali (traditionally anyway I’m sure somebody modern parents break the rules!) and Wayan is reserved for the first born.

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  4. I’d love to be able to make my own jewellery. Although I don’t think my husband will join me. I have a hard enough time getting him to do DIY at home, lol. And I think that making a piece of jewelery as a memento of your holiday is a great idea.

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    • Seriously don’t even get me started on that! My husband ripped off the the skirting boards in our house once to put a new floating floor in. The floor went down in two days but it took him four years to replace all the skirting boards lol

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  5. Wow – both your pieces look amazing! It’s great your husband joined in with you. I don’t have much dexterity but this class seems to be adapted for everybody to be able to learn easily.

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    • It was surprisingly easy Lydia. I took my sweet time with the cutting out which I think helped the finished result. ?

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  6. You had me at blow torch! This sounds like a cool class, it must have been fate that it morphed into a private session! We’re considering Bali for NYE so I definitely want to check out this place!

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    • Yes we were blessed that the group didn’t turn up! I haven’t had a NYE in Bali but I bet it would be a blast ?

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  7. I think this would be perfect if you’re travelling to Bali with a group of girlfriends. Actually, one of my friends leaving for Bali next week for a reunion with 10 of her friends from school. I’ll pass this on Allison.

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  8. That Bali bangle is everything! Hubby did an aaesome job there! Making your own jewelry is so rewarding and now you have an amazing souvenir!

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  9. This sounds like an amazing activity! I love the coordinates bracelet – I actually bought one on etsy not too long ago, but it sounds WAY cooler to make it yourself!

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  10. That is SUCH a cool experience. I always love doing more unique things like that when I’m abroad, and your pieces turned out beautiful! Such a special souvenir for sure 🙂

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  11. This sounds AMAZING. Sadly I don’t have any Bali plans in my future, but you’ve inspired me to look up jewellery making classes in London! I love a bit of good DIY but I’ve never tried jewelry 🙂

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    • I live anything that gives me something unique ? Let me know what you find out about options in London Cassie

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  13. You jewelry turned out fabulous! This class looks so fun but HARD. I am not a crafty person at all, so I doubt mine would turn out this good. But it would definitely be a memorable experience. Putting it on my travel bucket list.

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  14. What a great experience! I have not been to Bali and never would have guessed in a million years that this was an option for activity! I have a friend who will flip over the combination of her two favorite things – jewelry making and traveling. I’m sharing this post!

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    • Thanks so much Natalie! I’ll be posting tomorrow a round up list nod lots of unusual things to do in Bali that she might also like ?

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  15. Looks fun. I know nothing about any crafts let alone jewellery making but it’s an excursion/experience id definitely be up for having. Great post, thanks for sharing!

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  16. The bangle turned out so well! It looks like something you’d find in a vintage shop. I would definitely wear it! And how cool that it only took 2 hours to make. I never even would’ve thought to go to a jewelry making class had I not read this, so thank you for broadening my horizons and introducing me to an awesome activity!

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    • The Hubs defo did a great job on the bangle Diana. This was my fifth trip to Bali so I forced myself to do something new and was so glad I did. We had a great time.

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  17. What a cool experience! I love local classes and usually do cooking ones, but this looks great. And your finished product looks awesome!

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  19. When I see silver being sold as jewelry, I picture a few shops and mostly stalls. Now there in Bali, that is truly unique. Although it was assisted, but being able to make your own puts add value to the silver you made because YOU DID IT YOURSELF! I thought the concept of Chez Monique is unique and seriously, I could make money doing the same business here in the Philippines!

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  20. I have never made my own jewelry but I would love to try to DIY one sometime soon! It looks so much fun just by reading your post! 🙂

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  21. That’s a lovely bangle! I’ve been curious about the creative scene in August ever since my sister in law came from there during her honeymoon, and she mentioned there are several kinds of classes all over the place. I hope to go one of these days, considering I am just a two hour flight away!

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  22. That was cool your pics are awesome! I’ve been eyeing to go to Bali for years! hope to go there soon

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  23. This is really a nice class to take! Creating the jewellery is so amazing because of the detail that you need and the hardwork. Your photos make it seem so easy but I think it’s a bit hard especially if you are new to it. I just wish a workshop like this will be available in our country.

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  24. It must be very meticulous to do but the end product is soooo nice! I love that you carved something in it to make it more personal. This definitely is a good souvenir to last you a lifetime.

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  25. Wonderful! I have 3 friends who’d attended classes for jewelery making. Now they all host some exhibitions half yearly and display their craft work. It’s amazing how beautiful they are… it’s good to learn about places with activities 🙂

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    • Wow that’s amazing Sriparna! I think k I may need a few more classes before I could contemplate that lol

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  26. That sounds like an awesome class to attend to if ever we visit Bali. You’re lucky enough to have a special session with them . I’m sure you were able to dissect their minds and be good in jewellery making. How much did the session cost again? I’m curious what other things I could create there if ever aside from a pendant.

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    • Yes we were very lucky to have a ‘private’ class. Classes are IDR45,000 including 10g of silver and you could create essentially anything you felt like but more complicated designs might take longer than the two hour class ?

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  27. Wow this is amazing. I’ve never made my own Jewelry but I would love to. The whole process looks so fun to me because I love crafting. The bracelet you made is so nice!

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  28. Havent been to Bali but it is one of the places I would want to visit soonest. I find Bali such a nice place to be away from my usual life in the Philippines. Love as well that you could make your own jewellery. It is a skill not everyone has. I Find you real creative to have that skill to mak designs.

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  29. What an amazing class to take during a trip! I never encountered a jewelry class before in my trips but I would for sure attend if I’ll get the chance. It doesn’t look easy at all to make your own earrings, especially the cutting. I would probably manage to cut my fingers off with my clumsiness.

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    • Hahaha Joanna trust me if I can do it you can! There is lots of help on hand from the experts as well ?

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  30. Oh I love this! We just came back from Bali and I highly recommend the batik making workshop (if you haven’t already done this). But this looks amazing. My daughter would love it. Definitely on the list of things to do when we go back.

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    • I have sons myself (all grown up now!) but I know a few little budding fashionistas that would love this as well ? Thanks for the tip on batik making Amy. It sounds right up my alley. Where did you do your class?

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  31. Oh, that sounds soo exciting! Getting a glimpse of Bali again also brings up beautiful memories for me. I’d definitely take the class. I love making things and always try out new techniques. Having someone to teach you is a luxury. Thanks for sharing!

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    • I love Bali so much we can’t stay away and visit at least once every year. As frequent visitors I am always looking for new activities to keep it fresh and this was perfect! I can’t wait to go back next year and try my hand at a ring 🙂

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    • Thanks Smita. It was a great class and we learned so much! I only wish I had all the tools at home so I could make my own jewellery all the time!

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